$1,549 Movers From Oakland to Charleston

Quick Answer: The cost to move from Oakland, CA to Charleston, WV averages from $1,743 to $8,498 depending on how much you're moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the move yourself.

Hiring a full-service Oakland moving company will be on the more expensive side, while renting a truck or moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.

Here's everything you need to know about your upcoming move to Charleston, WV.

Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Charleston to Oakland guide.

Moving from Oakland to Charleston resources

Moving 2,552 miles is no joke. Here's what you need to know.

How much does it cost to move from Oakland to Charleston?

Oakland movers charge $147 per hour on average. Here are average prices for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck:

Move Size Moving Company Moving Container Rental Truck
Studio / 1 bedroom $1,549 - $6,117 $1,520 - $3,859 $1,692 - $3,308
2 - 3 bedrooms $4,184 - $8,498 $2,782 - $5,503 $1,743 - $4,015
4+ bedrooms $8,114 - $13,847 $3,717 - $7,797 $2,270 - $4,596
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*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 2,552 miles and historical averages. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, and availability can greatly affect the final cost of your move.

The cost to move from Oakland to Charleston will depend on:

  • Move size: The amount of items you have — as well as your home size and layout — will impact the total cost of your relocation.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Oakland, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • Do-it-yourself vs Professional Mover: DIY moving services are usually cheaper but involve more work and stress compared to letting the pros handle your move.

How much are professional moving companies when moving from Oakland to Charleston?

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Oakland to Charleston will cost between $1,549 to $6,117. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home will range from $4,184 to $8,498, and a four-bedroom move or bigger move from Oakland to Charleston will cost from $8,114 to $13,847.

How much are moving container companies from Oakland to Charleston?

Moving containers from Oakland to Charleston will cost you $1,520 to $3,859 for a studio or one-bedroom home. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $2,782 to $5,503. A larger home will cost $3,717 to $7,797.

How much is a moving truck from Oakland to Charleston?

Renting a moving truck is usually the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.

Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $1,692 to $3,308. A larger move will cost $1,743 to $4,015, and a four-bedroom move from Oakland to Charleston costs from $2,270 to $4,596. These estimates include the anticipated fuel cost.

The best Oakland to Charleston moving companies

Hiring an interstate moving company to go from Oakland to Charleston is a big deal.

There are more than 8,000 moving companies in the U.S. But don't worry, you won't have to filter through all of them. We've done the research for you and narrowed the list based on customer satisfaction, cost, and services. Here are the best long-distance moving companies serving Oakland to Charleston.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Best overall value
  • Portion to charity
  • Veteran owned
Get A Quote
(855) 650-0657

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • 20 yrs experience
  • Flat rate pricing
  • Family owned
Get A Quote
(866) 835-2392

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.45 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Family owned
  • East coast focus
  • Affordable pricing
Get A Quote
(980) 217-6841

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • 74 years in biz
  • 1,800 trucks
  • Storage available
Get A Quote
(844) 950-2963

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • White glove
  • Expensive items
  • Guaranteed delivery
Get A Quote
(703) 972-1772

% of users select this mover

If you're just trying to ship a few items, here are our picks for the best small load moving companies.

Pros and cons of moving from Oakland to Charleston

Cost of living: Oakland vs Charleston

Oakland Charleston
Average rent cost $2,290 $962
Average home value $774,077 $146,899
Average income (per capita) $85,628 $58,251
Cost of Living (single person) $2,995 $1,866
Cost of Living (family of 4) $8,007 $4,269
Unemployment rate 7.7% 6.2%
Sales Tax 10.25% 7.0%
State Income Tax 13.3% 6.5%
  • Rent prices in Charleston are 58% lower than in Oakland.
  • Home prices in Charleston are 81.0% lower than in Oakland.
  • Income in Charleston is 32.0% lower than in Oakland.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Charleston is 37.7% lower than in Oakland.
  • The cost of living for a family in Charleston is 46.7% lower than in Oakland.
  • The unemployment rate in Charleston is 19.48% lower than in Oakland.
  • Sales taxes in Charleston are 31.71% lower than in Oakland.
  • State income taxes in Charleston are 51.13% lower than in Oakland.

To put this into perspective, you would need around $1,869.12 in Charleston to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Oakland.

How is life different in Oakland compared to Charleston?

Charleston Oakland
Population 48,018 440,646
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 2 8
Walkability score 33 75
Bike friendliness score 28 65
Crime Index 3.0 68.7
Safety Index 46.06 31.3
Air Quality Good Good
  • Charleston's population is about 89% less than Oakland.
  • Charleston's public transportation has a score of 2 out of 10 versus Oakland's lower score of 8.
  • Charleston is less walkable than Oakland with a score of 33 out of 100 vs Oakland's 75 out of 100.
  • Charleston is less bike-friendly than Oakland with a score of 28 out of 100 vs Oakland's 65.
  • Charleston's crime rate is lower than Oakland with a score of 3.0 compared to Oakland's 68.7. This means that Charleston neighborhoods are safer than 3.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Oakland neighborhoods are safer than 68.7%.
  • Charleston is considered to be safer than Oakland with a safety index of 46.06 vs Oakland's 31.3.
  • Air quality in Charleston is good, and in Oakland it's good.

Considerations for moving to Charleston

  • Weather: September, June and May are the most pleasant months in Charleston, while January and February are the least comfortable months..
  • HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
  • Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
  • State licensing: In the Mountaineer State, the state’s Public Service Commission oversees local and intrastate movers. The commission strives to support and promote the interests of both businesses and consumers, and those interested in hiring an in-state mover can browse the Commission’s Regulated Motor Carrier Database to verify that they’re reputable businesses in good standing. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a West Virginia moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: West Virginia does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
  • Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Charleston. Get started here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. When relocating in West Virginia, prioritize movers' insurance for comprehensive coverage. Many movers provide Released Value Protection at no additional cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. Elevate your protection by exploring Full Value Protection options with the moving company or considering tailored plans from third-party insurance providers. Understand coverage limits, potential extra costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision on your West Virginia state moving insurance, ensuring a secure and stress-free relocation experience.
  • Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.

Local Oakland movers

Company Quote Rating Contact
West Coast Moving Systems, Inc Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.66 overall rating
745 85th Ave, Oakland, CA, 94621
(510) 430-2667
NorthStar Moving Company Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.66 overall rating
One Bush Plaza Bush St Suite B-182, San Francisco, CA, 94104
(415) 635-3844

Visit our best long distance movers in Oakland page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.

What to do in Charleston

These are some of the best things to do in your new West Virginia home.

  • State Capitol
  • West Virginia State Museum
  • Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences
  • Capitol Street and Capitol Market
  • West Virginia Veterans Memorial
  • East End Historic District
  • Governor's Mansion
  • Kanawha State Forest
  • Avampato Discovery Museum

Get your sports on!

Charleston is a great sports town, these are the local teams to support:
  • Charleston Golden Eagles (Mountain East)

FAQs about moving from Oakland to Charleston

When is the best time to move from Oakland to Charleston?

The best time to move from Oakland to Charleston is during the transitional seasons of spring or fall, considering the summer highs of 86ºF and the winter lows of 24ºF in Charleston.

When is the cheapest time to move from Oakland to Charleston?

Because most people are moving from Oakland to Charleston in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the summer or winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.

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Learn more about Charleston